Positive steps for local rivers as DAERA Minister visits Kilgad hatchery

Representatives of Kells, Connor & Glenwherry Angling Club, along with local schoolchildren welcomed DAERA Minister Andrew Muir to view the vital work of the club in County Antrim

The campaign to restore salmon and trout stocks in County Antrim has taken a positive step forward this week after DAERA Minister Andrew Muir visited the hatchery facilities of Kells, Connor & Glenwherry Angling Club at Kilgad.

The Minister’s tour highlighted the crucial role the club plays in river conservation, habitat improvement, and education.

Members hope the visit will strengthen support within the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) for the reopening of the hatchery, which sits on the Kells River system — a tributary of the River Maine flowing into Lough Neagh.

Club representatives outlined how the hatchery could once again play a central role in boosting dwindling trout and salmon stocks, with an emphasis on safeguarding the iconic Dollaghan trout — unique to Lough Neagh and its feeder rivers.

In addition to conservation work, the hatchery has ambitions to become a cornerstone for community and school outreach projects, educating young people about the importance of clean rivers, biodiversity, and tackling the pressures facing waterways from pollution to barriers to spawning.

A club spokesperson said:

“During the visit, the Minister learned first-hand about the vital conservation, habitat improvement, and education projects our club is passionately involved in.

“We are hopeful that the Minister and his Inland Fisheries team will support the reopening of the hatchery — allowing us to refocus our efforts on restoring trout and salmon stocks in the Kells River system, a tributary of the River Maine, which ultimately flows into Lough Neagh.

“The hatchery also plays a vital educational role. We aim for it to become the cornerstone of our outreach work with local schools and community groups — raising awareness about pollution, river pressures, and the importance of improving water quality and habitat for future generations.

“Protecting our rivers is a responsibility we all share, and we’re proud to be doing our part.”

Following the visit, Minister Muir praised the club’s commitment, saying:

“Excellent visit to Kells, Connor and Glenwherry Angling Club in Ballymena this week, where I toured the facilities.

“It was great to speak with the club about the benefits of the sport and see their passion for protecting our waterways and promoting sustainable fishing.”

The club’s hatchery project has already gained cross-party support from MPs, MLAs, and angling groups across Northern Ireland, as efforts continue to reverse the steep decline in fish stocks in Lough Neagh and its tributaries.

A decision on the club’s Section 14 applications to operate the hatchery is expected in the coming weeks.